From: Breidenstein, Angela
Sent: Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:45 AM
To: Breidenstein, Angela; Trinity Students FY 2008
Cc: Tuttle, David
Subject: Thinking of Our Students Affected by Ike

Dear First Year Students,

I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you this weekend, particularly those from the Galveston, Gulf Coast, and greater Houston area or with family and friends in the area.  I think you know that my mom lives in Houston, so along with many of you I have been focused on watching the news and waiting to hear from her and others via intermittent text messages.  I therefore know first-hand how stressful it can be to be far away watching things transpire in your hometown and being unable to help and even be in contact, and that it is especially hard for you in your first year here.  Please know that you have an extended support system, including and especially your resident mentors and residential life staff as well as advisors, faculty, and others; please let me know if there is anything I can do or anything you think someone else can do to help.  And know also that friends and roommates will be of great support; you must support one another, and if you think someone needs extra support, please let us know.  Finally, one of the things you may consider if you are dealing directly with this is to perhaps limit some of the time you spend watching the extended news coverage; I know some of that will necessarily diminish as we start getting the ability to call and talk.  Still, some research tell us that watching the images and taking in information can promote the stress rather than reduce it, and I realize today how exhausted I was worrying and watching most of the day yesterday.

Finally, on a different note, I wanted to say how really impressed I am by the Pennies for Peace efforts of your class and others, and that I've enjoyed watching you find your place in many activities at Trinity, including soccer, volleyball, and football (it was great to be able to see all three on Thursday night!).

Take care,

Dr. Breidenstein